One cold windy day the lonely old hermit took a different path for his daily walk in a nearby forest. As he walked he begin to pray, ”Lord, you know that I’m no longer able to work doing odd jobs. I won’t make it through the winter unless you provide for me. I trust that you will once again meet my needs , and I thank you for all your care.” Soon he came to a spot where the sunlight filtered through the tall thick trees. Below was a mossy surface upon which lay one golden coin. As he walked by, the glistening coin caught his eye. He stooped, as best he could, and picked it up. Such a rare and beautiful coin he thought. It felt so warm nestled in his cold hand. Thank you Lord for letting me find this gold coin. Silently he wondered how it came to be there.

He wasn’t sure if he should take the coin home with him to his rundown house or leave it here in it’s home of beauty. Yet he lived a meager existence; he needed supplies that the coin could buy. After awhile he determined it was meant for him to find it for he had never taken this route before.

Hugging his tattered coat closer to his chest, he struggled down the brushy path toward his house with the coin clasped in his hand. He had much to consider. What necessities did he really need?

Upon entering his house he gently laid the shiny coin on a dusty shelf. Weary from his long walk, he sat down in his creaky old rocking chair and soon dozed into a restful sleep.

When he awoke the shiny coin caught his attention once again as the sun rays shone through his curtainless window causing the coin to sparkle with a golden hue.

He pondered again about what he really needed. Then, without hesitation, said to himself “Most of all I need something to hold on to when my days get worse. I will keep you, golden coin. Besides the Lord, you will be my prized possession. You will be a glimmer of hope when I am distraught, a pleasing sight when I am lonely or sad. You may very well turn out to be the best friend I’ve ever had.”

And with this decision made, he glanced at the coin, which seemed to give a shimmering wink. Smiling to himself and happier than he had been in awhile, the old hermit spoke aloud as if speaking to his new found treasure, “I have a golden coin of much worth, a gift from God.” And with this gift he faced the oncoming winter season with joy and thanksgiving.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not to thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.